By Timothy Dale | Updated Oct 15, 2021 9:54 AM

BobVila.com and its partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.

A foldable mattress can fold up into sections for simple storage when not in use. Foldable mattresses are a must-have for those who frequently travel, go camping, have sleepovers, parties, or large families that stay over around the holidays.

When it comes to shopping for a foldable mattress, quality is key. The best foldable mattress is comfortable, supports your back when you sleep and is easy to move and carry. Some even come with a carrying case to make mobility easier. This guide aims to help you find the best foldable mattress for your needs.

Foldable mattresses fall into three main types: polyurethane foam, memory foam, and latex. Each material has its pros and cons.

Polyurethane foam, also known as poly-foam, is the material used to make the most basic foldable mattresses. If you’ve never heard of poly-foam, think of the yellow foam used in sofa cushions and egg crate mattress toppers. Poly-foam is lightweight and inexpensive, so it’s a great option for teens and young adults looking to pick up a foldable mattress for themselves. However, polyurethane foam has a shorter lifespan and lower density than memory foam or latex, making it the lowest-quality material for a foldable mattress.

Memory foam is actually a type of polyurethane foam known as viscoelastic polyurethane foam or Tempurpedic foam, which contains additional compounds to change the way it acts and feels. These compounds give the foam the slow-reacting properties it is best known for and increases its density over regular polyurethane foam.

Memory foam is more expensive than polyurethane foam but cheaper than latex. Most higher-end foldable mattresses are made with memory foam, though the industry is beginning to shift toward latex foam mattresses for its premium models. With memory foam, you can expect more support than polyurethane, but you will also notice yourself sink into the mattress, which can make it difficult to roll or readjust without waking up. These mattresses also tend to hold a lot of heat, which can cause some discomfort while sleeping, so look for a memory foam foldable mattress with mesh breathability on the sides.

Manufacturers of foldable mattresses have only recently begun to use latex as a material, but it is the highest-quality material you can find for a foldable mattress. This foam can either be synthetically produced or harvested from rubber trees for those looking for an all-natural product. With latex foam, you get pinpoint support for your body without sinking in like memory foam, which is especially necessary for side-sleepers. The durability of latex gives it a much longer life than polyurethane or memory foam, but since it is a newer material it can be difficult to find latex mattresses. Latex may also cause allergic reactions in some people.

Before choosing a foldable mattress for your home, take a few minutes to educate yourself on some important shopping considerations to keep in mind.

Whenever you are looking to purchase a mattress you first need to have accurate measurements of the space available and the required sleeping area based on the size of the sleeper. This is equally true for foldable mattresses. Before buying, decide on which size you need, such as twin, full, or queen.

Keep in mind that even with standard sizing there can be differences between individual products, so always check the measurements before buying.

With a foldable mattress, you also need to be aware of its dimensions when folded. There are no standard folded measurements to rely on, since the fold pattern, thickness of the mattress, and material are all unique to the individual product.

Always double-check the dimensions before buying to know if it will fit on the ground when open and if you can load it into your car or store it in a closet when folded.

The thickness of a folded mattress is a big factor in determining comfort, mobility, and price. Most folded mattresses have a thickness between 3 and 6 inches, but some can be as thick as 8 inches.

As the thickness of the mattress increases, so does the price. However, thicker mattresses are more comfortable, especially for heavier individuals.

Also keep in mind that as a mattress gets thicker, it gets heavier and more difficult to fold, carry, and transport. So if mobility is a key factor for your folded bed, it may be better to avoid mattresses thicker than 6 inches.

Firmness can be an important factor for heavier people and anyone who has posture or back problems. In general, the denser a mattress is, the more firm it will feel, and the more comfortable you will be when you sleep.

Firmness can be sorted by mattress type, with polyurethane being the least firm, latex being the most firm, and memory foam in the middle. Alternately, you can look for foldable mattresses that have a firm base to provide you with the support you need for a great night’s rest.

Just like a regular mattress, a foldable mattress benefits from some type of cover or sheet that protects the material from dirt, oil, skin, hair, and water. You can either have one cover that can be used, removed, cleaned, and returned to your foldable mattress, or you can have different covers for different purposes.

Waterproof covers are a great option for foldable mattresses that you take on a camping trip. They protect the mattress from moisture and also keep it safe from the sun and any insects that may want to hitch a ride home with you.

A regular polyester or cotton cover will keep your foldable mattress safe from food, drinks, nail polish, shaving cream, and other common spills that can happen during sleepovers.

Most folding mattresses are designed for portability, featuring either a bi-fold or tri-fold style that allows you to fold them up into a much smaller size. These mattresses often come with a carrying case where you can store the mattress when not in use or easily transport it when needed.

However, some folding mattresses are intended for stationary use. These mattresses tend to double as furniture when they are folded up, such as a futon, allowing you to use the same space for sleeping and entertaining.

If portability is your biggest concern, choose a smaller, lightweight mattress, no more than 6 inches thick, which comes with a carrying case and has folded dimensions that can fit comfortably into your vehicle.

A warranty is always a good idea when making a large purchase, though not all foldable mattresses come with one. Many products that fall below the $100 mark will offer returns and exchanges for defective or damaged products but won’t accept returns based solely on customer dissatisfaction. More expensive folded mattresses may have a set warranty that will allow you to return it if you aren’t happy with the product. So if you aren’t sure about owning a folded mattress, consider investing in a higher-quality product that comes with a warranty.

Buying a mattress for the bedroom is a big expense for most people, but folded mattresses tend to be much more affordable than standard mattresses.

Keep in mind that as the thickness and size of the foldable mattress increase, the price also goes up, so if you just need something cheap for your kid’s friend to stay over, go thin and go small.

When buying a foldable mattress, you need to keep in mind how the mattress will be used. If you need the mobility to drag it up and down stairs or to load it into your car, then you want to avoid anything over 6 inches thick. Thicker mattresses will be more comfortable, but they will cost more and weigh more, making them more difficult to carry and store in their folded position.

Do yourself (and your back) a favor by making sure to invest in a product that has densely packed material and a firm base to properly support your weight. Also, look for a foldable mattress that comes with an appropriate cover to keep it safe. Camping mattresses will need a waterproof cover, but a cotton or polyester cover is probably all you need for a home mattress.

The top-rated products below were chosen for quality, price, and customer satisfaction to help you find the best foldable mattress for your home.

The Milliard Tri Folding Mattress is a perfect option for a guest room doubling as an office, with folded dimensions of just 58 inches by 26 inches, allowing you to tuck it away in the closet when not in use. This queen-sized tri-fold mattress is 4 inches thick and made up of high-density polyurethane foam.

The foldable mattress comes with a jacquard cover that can be removed for washing and an anti-slip bottom to prevent the mattress from sliding out from under you while you sleep. When the mattress is unfolded it lays flat at 78 inches by 58 inches and comes with ventilated mesh sides to help keep temperatures down.

The Best Price TriFold Memory Foam Mattress is a great option for mobility because it is able to fold up into just 39 inches by 26 inches due to its slim, 4-inch thickness. However, you still get great sleep on the 1.5 inches of memory foam that forms the top layer of the mattress and 2.5 inches of high-density polyurethane for the firm base.

The twin XL tri-fold mattress lays flat at 80 inches by 39 inches and comes with a poly-jacquard machine-washable cover and slip-proof bottom to prevent the mattress from moving during use. You can also rest easy on this folded mattress knowing that it can be bought in nine different bed sizes for exact customization.

This impressive twin quad-fold foldable mattress is a rare find, with four sections that can be folded and manipulated to form several different versatile configurations, including a chair, couch, flatbed, and a bed that uses one section as a pillow.

The high-density polyurethane foldable mattress lays flat at 75” x 39” and folds up into 39” x 26”. It comes with a removable, machine-washable, and dryer-friendly cover that protects the mattress. At only 4-inches thick, the mattress is lightweight and easy to tuck into the included carry case for mobility. However, this foldable mattress does not come with a warranty.

This lightweight, trifold mattress from Cushy Form is an ideal option for travel at just 4 inches thick, and it folds down to only 31 by 25 inches. The memory-foam mattress can extend out to 75 by 31 inches when laid flat and features a helpful storage and carrying case with a handle that makes it easy to take the mattress anywhere. The mattress comes with a soft, removable, and washable cover to keep your purchase safe. The material is breathable but plush, and this mattress is a good multipurpose folding option.

The D&D Folding Foam Chair And Mattress is 6-inches thick and made completely of high-density polyurethane, giving heavy sleepers a cushy place to slumber. When fully extended, the foldable mattress measures 70” x 33” flat, but rather than folding up into a box shape that can be neatly tucked away, it doubles as a chair when folded.

As a chair, the backrest measures 23-inches high and the seat is just 12-inches high, but it gives you a seating area of 32” x 30”, which is more than enough for a comfortable chair. While this foldable mattress does have a cover, it isn’t removable and the mattress doesn’t come with a warranty, so consider picking up a cover or sheet to keep it clean and in good condition.

Aches and pains can flare up quickly when you have to spend the night on an uncomfortable cot or couch, but with the Milliard 6-Inch TriFold Mattress you and your aching back can sleep well. The 6-inch thick mattress is made up of 1.5 inches of comfortable memory foam and 4.5 inches of high-density polyurethane for a firm base.

The mattress lays flat at 75” x 31” and folds up neatly into just 31” x 25”. The tri-fold mattress features ventilated sides to help control body temperature during sleep and a soft removable cover with a non-slip bottom so you don’t find yourself on the floor in the middle of the night. One thing to be aware of, however, is that this product doesn’t come with a warranty.

Designed for portability, the American Furniture Alliance Jr Twin Trifold Mattress comes with a handy carrying strap that attaches directly to the mattress. The 3.5-inch-thick polyurethane foam is more than enough comfort for sleepovers and spillover from parties, giving your guests a soft place to lay their heads.

The tri-fold twin mattress measures 75 inches by 30 inches when laid flat and 30 inches by 25 inches folded up. The bottom and sides of the foldable mattress are made with non-slip mesh for increased airflow and traction, making this mattress an excellent option for yoga classes.

The best foldable mattress stores easily and is ready to use when you or guests need it. The Milliard Tri Folding Mattress is a queen-size convenience, sleeping two and folding easily for storage. When you only need a spare mattress occasionally, the Best Price Mattress 4 Inch Trifold is an affordable XL twin-size choice.

Choosing the best foldable mattress for your needs depends on how you plan to use the sleeper. We carefully considered mattress dimensions, type, and thickness as helpful starting points. We also noted firmness in some cases and looked to see if a folding mattress came with a washable or removable cover. Portability matters if you plan to travel with your mattress, and we checked for features like easy folding, weight, and whether the mattress has a handle or carrying case. We also considered the folded size and shape for those tight on storage space.

Owning a foldable mattress comes with many different benefits, from having an extra bed on hand for sleepovers or a comfy place to sleep while camping or traveling.

Travel and camping are fun activities, but lumpy car seats and thin sleeping bags can leave you exhausted each morning. Instead of sleeping in the back of your car or on the cold, hard ground during camping or travel, you can pick up a foldable mattress and save your back the strain.

Sleepovers and parties put the pressure on to come up with adequate sleeping arrangements, but having a foldable mattress around prevents your houseguests from fighting over the sofa. With the portability and small size of a foldable mattress, you can store it in a closet, your car trunk, or under your bed until it is needed.

In general, no. Most folding mattresses are thinner (so they can fold). Those made of memory foam are more durable than folding mattresses made of regular polyurethane foam. How long they last depends on where and how often they are used and stored. Look for a mattress with a washable cover and carrying case to increase life span.

Today’s folding mattresses can rival the comfort of regular mattresses, with many made of dense foam or memory foam. Comfort depends on firmness, however, and whether a person is a side or back sleeper, just like with regular mattresses.

You can add mattress toppers to some folding mattresses to make them more comfortable. It also helps to open the mattress a few days before the first use, or if it has been stored for a long time, when possible. Be sure to add a sheet over the mattress. For the best comfort, choose a high-quality, thick mattress like the Milliard 6-inch Memory Foam Tri Folding Mattress.

Some of the folding mattresses on this list double as low chairs, which is an easy way to store the mattress and have it ready, plus add a seat in the room. Otherwise, store them safely in the back of a closet if possible, and choose one with a storage bag (included or as an option) if dust is a concern.

Generally, most folding mattresses are thicker than yoga mats, but the American Furniture Alliance Trifold on our list features a somewhat thinner mattress with a nonslip base, a nice feature for yoga or stretching.

Most thick-foam mattresses are made to minimize gaps. Thinner folding mattresses are more likely to pull apart. Having a nonslip base on the mattress and a good-fitting sheet or cover can minimize gaps as well.

Disclosure: BobVila.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Copyright © 2022 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved.